The 15 Best Samba & Carnival Experiences in Rio

Rio de Janeiro: Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema - Finding Samba Fit at Visconde de Pirajá 207

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,071 reviews · 1 hour · from $25Our pick

Learn samba in Ipanema with an experienced carnival performer, try on costumes, and receive class photos and videos for $25.

“I had an amazing time at this Samba class. Gaby is full of energy and so patient, she broke the steps down clearly and made everyone feel comfortable, even total beginners like me. The small group meant we got lots of individual attention and by the end of the hour we were dancing a full routine.”

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Caipirinha & Cachaça Tastings, Drinking Tours, Food & Drink, Food Tours in Rio de Janeiro, Nightlife, Nightlife in Rio de Janeiro, Pub Crawls, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Samba & Carnival Shows, Tour Reviews

Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba

2.Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 881 reviews · 4 hours · from $33

Explore Lapa nightlife with cachaça tastings, a free caipirinha, live samba, local bars, and a Rio nightclub for $33.

“We really enjoyed the Samba crawl - the clubs were cool - the music was great - the guides were nice - and we got to mix it up with the locals - something we probably wouldn’t have done on our own”

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Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

3.Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 520 reviews · 90 - 150 minutes · from $27

See Rio Carnival from the workshop floor, try parade costumes, learn samba steps, hear its story, and enjoy a caipirinha at Samba City.

“This was such a fun activity! The guides went out of their way to entertain and everyone on the tour, no matter their age, had a great time!”

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Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro – Rio Samba Bus

4.Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro – Rio Samba Bus

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 457 reviews · 1 day · from $30

Rio Samba Bus review: see Rio’s top sights, hear samba, and weigh the heat, traffic, audio, stops, and $30 value.

“It is a bus with only one level- up top with no shade at all. It was hot! Since there weren’t ear plugs, it was just a recording over speaker- you couldn’t really hear what they were saying. I thought we’d get closer to Christ the Redeemer but it was just in the distance. At least they sold cold beer on board….”

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Rio de Janeiro Tours, Samba & Carnival Shows, Santa Teresa & Selarón Steps Tours, Tour Reviews

Santa Teresa, Lapa, and Cinelândia with Tram Ride and Selarón Steps

5.Santa Teresa, Lapa, and Cinelândia with Tram Ride and Selarón Steps

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 274 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

Review of Rio’s Santa Teresa tram, Lapa, Selarón Steps, and Centro tour, with practical tips on walking, timing, guides, and value.

“Emma makes the tour super easy for us. She picked up us at the hotel right on time and took us everywhere with uber. she gave explanation about the hidden gems. she helped us take great pictures and gave us the flexibility of staying in a particular place as we wanted.”

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Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

6.Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 268 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $26

Go behind the scenes at Rio’s Samba City with costumes, caipirinhas, a samba class, and a close look at Carnaval craftsmanship.

“This was top tier!! I was disappointed that I couldn't take pictures in the beginning but no big deal. I understand the reason. While the ladies were putting decorations on a piece I asked to help and they let me. That was cool. Learning all the information was very interesting. The costume activity was fun!! The dancing was super fun. So glad I arranged this for my group. Highly recommended.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Samba Class in Copacabana

7.Samba Class in Copacabana

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 262 reviews · 1 hour · from $25

Learn samba in a friendly one-hour Copacabana class with bilingual instructors, music, culture, and useful Rio nightlife tips for $25.

“Really fun!! Helio is a great teacher. Super sympathetic to us being total beginners and also was very helpful offering recommendations and suggestions for our time in Rio. Really grateful!!”

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Rio: Ginga Tropical Samba and Folklore Show Ticket

8.Ginga Tropical Samba and Folklore Show Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 231 reviews · from $61

Review of Rio’s Ginga Tropical show, with samba, capoeira, Brazilian folk dances, live music, audience participation, and practical booking tips.

“Very nice and interactive show. I didn't get bored and enjoyed it.”

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Ginga Tropical – Brazilian Samba and Folklore Show

9.Ginga Tropical – Brazilian Samba and Folklore Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 216 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Ginga Tropical brings Brazilian samba, folklore, live music, costumes, and audience participation to a lively 90-minute Rio show.

“Very good pleasant. Service excellent. Captain and tour guide very nice. Great drinks and snacks. Thank you”

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Pedra do Sal: Live Samba Night with Local Guide & Drink

10.Pedra do Sal: Live Samba Night with Local Guide & Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 183 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Experience Rio’s Pedra do Sal with local guides, live samba, history, a welcome drink, and practical support in Little Africa.

“We were initially apprehensive about going to Pedra do sol after hearing mixed comments regarding safety. As soon as we met with our guide Gustavo and the lovely family that were also on the trip, we felt immediately at ease. Gastavo was brilliant, telling us about the history of the area and making sure that we had a great time. We can’t recommend this trip enough! Probably our favourite so far.”

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samba class in Ipanema

11.samba class in Ipanema

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 182 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $23Top rated

Learn Rio samba in a friendly one-hour Ipanema class, then pose in Carnival costumes and receive photos and videos.

“If you love dance, this experience is for you! I had so much fun learning Samba! Carla was an amazing teacher and gave attention to each and every student. She helped everyone in the areas where they were struggling and through her teaching, encouraged people to get out of their comfort zone and make new friends. While some steps were simple, the class was definitely a workout. And Charly was also very helpful! I was running late for my session, and instead of participating in only half the class, he allowed me to take the next session for no change fees. This was a great experience and I would do…”

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Samba Class and Samba Night Club Tour in Rio

12.Samba Class and Samba Night Club Tour in Rio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $70

Learn samba and forró in Rio, then skip the line at a lively club with live music, a guide, and shared transport from Copacabana.

“10 out of 10. Our instructor was helpful and patient with me as we learned to Samba. Afterward we were able to use out dance moves at a street party. He gave a history lesson of the country and helpful tips to be safe. Brazil was a whole vibe.”

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Samba Helicopter Tour: Private Flight – 4 people

13.Samba Helicopter Tour: Private Flight – 4 people

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 153 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $1,921

See Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Rio beaches, Niterói, Maracanã and Tijuca from a private 30-minute helicopter flight.

“Incredible flight over the coastline of Rio de Janeiro! My personal highlight was flying around the Pão de azucar!”

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Christ the Redeemer, Selaron, Cathedral, Maracana, Sambadrome Half-Day Tour

14.Christ the Redeemer, Selaron, Cathedral, Maracana, Sambadrome Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 146 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $74

See Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps, the Cathedral, Maracanã, and Sambadrome on Rio’s fast-paced half-day city tour.

“Lydia was an absolute joy to be around. She translated everything in two different languages so everyone understood. The tour one picked up was around 6 hours, but thorough. Would love to tour with her and the driver again.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Samba Class and Samba Night Tour

15.Samba Class and Samba Night Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 115 reviews · 4 hours · from $63

Learn samba in Rio, then join a live band at a local club or Monday street party with transfers, entry, and a bilingual guide included.

“I had SO MUCH FUN!! The dance class was great fun and the nightclub was AWESOME! What an eclectic and beautiful space. The live music was amazing! So happy I booked this event!”

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